KAMPALA – High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma has denied defense requests for him to step down and for the treason case against opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale to be transferred to the International Crimes Division.
The ruling, delivered on October 15, 2025, affirms that the High Court’s Criminal Division has the jurisdiction to hear the case. The charges stem from Dr. Besigye’s arrest in Kenya in November 2024 and his subsequent extradition to Uganda over allegations of plotting to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
In his decision, Justice Baguma also addressed a defense complaint concerning Captain Denis Oola, stating that the matter would be looked into. The court has set November 6, 2025, as the date for the accused to enter their pleas.
The defense team has indicated it will challenge the rulings by filing appeals with the Court of Appeal and the Judicial Service Commission.
